New Zealand has announced changes to the age and evidence requirements for partner visa categories, effective September 25, 2026.
The updated rules require both the visa applicant and the partner supporting the application to be 18 or older at the time of submission.
Immigration New Zealand will accept only evidence of the relationship gathered after both partners turned 18 will be accepted by Immigration New Zealand.
9 visa categories affected by the changes
Immigration New Zealand confirmed that the new requirements cover the following nine visa types:
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa.
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa.
- Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa
- Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa.
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa.
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa.
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa.
- Partner of a Student Work Visa.
- Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa.
The changes do not affect partners included in residence applications under the Skilled, Business, International, Humanitarian, or other non-partnership-based Family streams, or in general visitor visa applications
What the New Rules Mean in Practice
Couples seeking partnership-based residence must demonstrate that they have lived together for at least 12 months. September 25, that 12-month period can only begin when both individuals are 18 years old.
As a result, to qualify for partnership-based residence, both partners must be at least 19.
However, applicants must still provide sufficient evidence, obtained after both partners turned 18, to demonstrate that they are in a genuine and stable relationship.
Immigration New Zealand stated that reaching the age of 18 does not make an applicant immediately eligible. All other requirements for each visa category remain in effect.
Immigration New Zealand also noted that some online application forms may not immediately reflect updated requirements, and advised applicants and immigration advisers to check the official website for the most recent guidance before submitting any application.
The changes will not affect residence visa applications submitted before September 25, 2026, or visas that have already been granted.